Malta Aviation Museum

Museum in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Oren Rozen

Located on the historic grounds of the former RAF airfield at Ta' Qali, the Malta Aviation Museum stands as a proud tribute to the island's extraordinary aviation heritage. During the Second World War, this very airfield was one of Malta's key defensive bases, from which British and Maltese pilots launched missions against Axis forces. Despite being bombed repeatedly, Ta' Qali remained operational throughout the siege, symbolizing Malta's resilience and strategic importance in the Mediterranean. Today, the museum preserves that legacy, showcasing a remarkable collection of restored aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia that bring the island's wartime skies vividly back to life.

A Unique Collection of Historic Aircraft

The museum's centerpiece exhibits include lovingly restored Supermarine Spitfires, Hawker Hurricanes, and a de Havilland Tiger Moth — the same types of aircraft that defended Malta during its darkest days. Each plane tells a story of bravery and innovation, from the “Faith, Hope, and Charity” Gladiator biplanes that first guarded the island, to the Spitfires that later secured Allied control over the Mediterranean. Visitors can also explore hangars filled with period uniforms, flight instruments, engines, and weaponry, all carefully maintained by a dedicated team of restorers and volunteers. The ongoing restoration projects, visible to visitors, offer a rare glimpse into the precision and passion required to keep these icons of aviation history alive.

The Spirit of Restoration and Discovery

More than a static display, the Malta Aviation Museum is a living workshop where history is actively preserved. Skilled engineers and enthusiasts work continuously on projects that keep the museum's aircraft in pristine condition — some even in flying order. This hands-on approach gives visitors a sense of the craftsmanship that defined early aviation and wartime innovation. The museum also highlights Malta's post-war aviation story, tracing the island's transition from a vital British airbase to an independent nation with its own air defense identity. Through interactive displays and detailed storytelling, the museum connects the technical marvels of flight to the human courage behind them.

Visiting the Malta Aviation Museum

Nestled in the heart of Ta' Qali Crafts Village, the museum is easily accessible from Valletta and is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike. The airfield surroundings add to the atmosphere — with hangars still echoing the hum of aircraft and the scent of oil and metal lingering in the air. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, special events, and even annual air shows that bring history roaring back to life above the Maltese skies.

The Malta Aviation Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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